Day two at Big Bend National Park was nothing short of hiking accompanied by the Texas beating sun that challenged our stamina and grit. With so many options at our disposal, we opted to hike the Lost Mine Trail. We didn’t rely on a definitive plan for what trails we’d hike in this park; we just wanted to explore and soak in the views. Looking at the map the night prior, Katie made a superb suggestion; however, we didn’t necessarily agree on our starting time.

I like to rise before the sun. You know, walk through spider webs and constantly swivel my head searching for lurking mountain lions. I didn’t come out here to sleep! Unfortunately, not everyone is an early riser and it’s worth having this discussion with your travel partners before making definitive plans. I have a wealth of experience when it comes to camping. The first night is always the most rough for me: I’m too excited to easily fall asleep, I’m adjusting to my element, and I’m wrapping my mind around what wildlife prowls outside my tent. My biggest concern was the quick rising temperatures in the West Texas desert during the early summer months (we were there the first week of June) and our water supply. Water is heavy, about eight pounds per gallon, but it is the most necessary weight.

We began our hike around 9 a.m., with hopes of descending before temperatures became unbearable. The Chihuahua Desert was experiencing harsh summer droughts, making wildfires easy to ignite and wildlife, specifically black bears and mountain lions, in search of available food. The sign at the beginning of the trailhead suggested hikers leave their food in their cars or the provided bear box. Thankfully, we ate a hearty breakfast. There are a few items I like to take on big hikes (having learned through this experience), and I would suggest other explorers prepare themselves for their next big adventure.

My Personal Checklist:

• A hearty breakfast before leaving my campsite. (My favorite is a simple yet effective steak and eggs wrapped in a tortilla. Yum!)

• One gallon of water (per person) **I drink a lot of water, so I opt to gulp a half gallon before starting my long hikes

• Bear mase

• Whistle

• Hydration packets packed with electrolytes!

• 1-2 cameras, each with their respective lens. (Since I was still looking to gain experience with my new camera on this trip, I opted not to rent anything new)

The winds were strong. We had yet to make our way to Guadalupe Mountains National Park to hike the Guadalupe Peak, and we anticipated the winds would be much stronger in that region. We packed everything away to use both hands and feet when necessary, to fight against strong gusts in the more exposed portions of the trail. You’d think the winds would offer relief as the temperatures steadily rose, but the blasts were comparable to the heat and only further dried out our skin—especially our lips.

The average temperatures during June vary throughout the park, and the higher elevations in the Chisos Mountains typically call for a cooler climate. Highs ranged from 66°F to 88°F in June, but the drought was in full effect. May through August are the hottest months in Big Bend, and the heat wave makes its impact by late morning. When traveling to this portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, prepare prepare PREPARE!

While taking a few breaks throughout our hike, Katie and I opted to have a mini photoshoot to make light of our semi-hazardous trek. Without a cloud in the sky—only haze in the distance from the blazing Texas sun—I programmed my settings to 100 ISO, f/5.6, with a shutter of 1/2000. I anticipated harsh shadows, but the sun was almost directly over us, advancing its light across the Chisos. Still, I had some slight editing ahead of me once I made it back home. Consequently, I did not bring a tripod with me on this trip, so I had no choice but to lay my camera atop the rugged ground for our coupled shot—I think it turned out just fine. For my image, I simply handed Katie my camera and let her have a go. I love the way she captured my newfound love for this landscape. Lastly, and my favorite image of my dear friend, I had Katie sprawl across the hot platform with all her gear on and strike a pose. Talk about getting the shot! I think she looks fabulous, and this image encapsulates her character so well! She was exhausted and feeling pain in her knees, but you’d never know, she was a trooper and did great!

Looking back on this video, I can recollect that twirl in the pit of my stomach as I was scared the wind would sweep me away. Without a trail surrounded by trees to keep me safe, I felt very exposed. Still completely worth it! We took another opportunity to rest before our descent. Translation: time to get in some landscape photos! Watch the transition from the first image to the second. One was scanned from film, while the second image is digital. Can you tell which is which?

As we made our descent, I couldn’t help but to take one last image of Casa Grande Peak.

Subscribe below for the upcoming story of my final steps without one of my boots! Definitely an adventure worth sharing during my first desert experience.

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